Raheem Sterling’s frightening decline at Arsenal laid bare in worrying comparison – his fall-off is huge

Add as preferred source on Google

Raheem Sterling has failed to justify his loan move from Chelsea in the summer so far during his Arsenal career.

Mikel Arteta said Sterling ‘would make Arsenal better’ after securing his signature on deadline day back in the summer but has failed to give the England international a run of games even amidst the recent injury problems in attack.

Whenever Sterling has been given a chance this season he has failed to take it with many indifferent displays and Alan Shearer believes Sterling’s confidence has gone.

The winger showed some bright spells in the 2-2 draw with PSV in the Champions League but then got booked in the final second so Sterling is now banned for the quarter final against Real Madrid.

READ MORE: Mikel Arteta must avoid Raheem Sterling mistake repeat as Arsenal target transfer for manager’s former player

Raheem Sterling decline at Arsenal laid bare with data

Sterling joined Arsenal from Chelsea in the summer on loan and is therefore ineligible for the upcoming Premier League clash at the Emirates Stadium.

However, Arteta has not been picking Sterling even when fit and available and has even used midfielders and defenders such as Mikel Merino and Kieran Tierney ahead of the England star in forward areas.

Sterling’s data from his first season at Chelsea to his current form for the Gunners make frightening reading for the 30-year-old and provides further insight into Arteta’s decision to leave him out.

Despite failing to make an impact on the pitch, Sterling has been helping Ethan Nwaneri off the pitch but that will not be enough to convince Arsenal fans that he was worth purchasing for this season.

Arsenal must sign Raheem Sterling replacements in the summer

This season has emphasised the need for Arsenal to spend big on attacking areas in the summer. Whilst there is interest in strikers such Alexander Isak and Benjamin Sesko, wide areas are just as important for the Gunners to strengthen.

Arsenal are interested in Nico Williams but should sign another versatile wide forward amid Sterling’s expected departure from the club.

Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo has impressed this season with seven goals and four assists in 27 league appearances and could provide competition on both flanks for Arteta.

Arsenal have lacked pace and penetration from the wings this season and following Bukayo Saka’s injury, they need to ensure there is sufficient strength in depth in those positions next campaign.